I'm not sure if Nordic has a DX system. EarthLinked does, and there may be an installer close to you. Where are you?

For EarthLinked DX, the loop can be installed in vertical or diagonal bore holes. They can also be horizontal installations, but don't need to be.

Yes, the loop is copper. When you say 1700 sq. feet, is that the main floor, and then the basement is also that big?

ecrtech.com has more info on the EarthLinked systems. There's also a dealer locater on there for you.

The main floor would be roughly 1700 or at least 1500. Prob not going to heat the entire basement.

I am near moncton New Brunswick, Canada.

Not New Brunswick,  New Jersey..  

Nordic makes THE best DX units. Keep your money within your own community (Nordic is roughly 25 miles from where I want to build.). You will still require some trenching but this is the system to install with the least disruption on your property. The ground loops are cooper and can be drilled vertically and radially on a 30 degree axis. The unit your looking for is a DX Triple Function Unit. Forced air for heating & cooling, full function hot water for radiant in-floor heating and domestic hot water. This brand and model type (DX-TF) will give you the best value for your dollar.

Even if you don't choose DX, Nordic would be your best and greenest choice since it's only 25 miles away!
BTW: They're also one of the best companies to deal with. Give them a call - it's not even long distance for you!

SR

I am building a 7500SF house in Westchester, NY. My builder wants to use a Poly etheline closed loop system and I have another contractor who would like to install a DX copper loop system. The price on the DX system is about 20% less. My builder thinks the copper will corrode and its not a good long term solution. Is this true?

"My builder thinks the copper will corrode and its not a good long term solution. Is this true?"

No the copper should not corrode.

Ask your ‘builder’ how he’s planning to bring water from below the street into your new home, lead pipes, or copper? When he says copper, ask him why it’s ok to bury a copper pipe to bring in water but not to circulate a non-corrosive gas?

After he finishes tap-dancing, ask your DX contractor what the warranty is on the ground loops.


SR

Good point.

My experience says stay away from ECR. I had a system installed by a contractor who is listed on their web site as the only local contractor that deals with ECR. He did such a poor job that one of their VP's came out to try to help him correct his mistakes. The corrections he did obviously did no good as the upstairs system quit working again within about three weeks. I have called ECR several times, sent multiple emails and get no response from them. The contractor is still listed on their web site as being the only local dealer/contractor, although I know of another local HVAC company that installed an ECR system later on. I contacted them and when they came out, they could do nothing and told me that they got little info from ECR. They said ECR was happy to sell them the units, but cared little about how the system performed. They had still not been able to figure out the problem they had with their own installation. I would stay away from ECR at all costs.

parkej,

Are you referring to EarthLinked Technologies? If so, I'm sorry for your experience. We've been with EarthLinked (formerly ECR technologies) since 2001. We've experienced wonderful support. They absolutely do stand behind their product. In fact, they've spent tens of thousands of dollars recently fixing problems from an installer who had been installing them incorrectly.

If you still can't get the problem resolved, let me know. I can get you in contact with the guy there that you need to talk to. It's Jerre Wilson. His email is [email protected] . I'm sure they'll want to make it right.

I would reiterate: We've had exactly the opposite experience as you. We've had WONDERFUL support from EarthLinked in making sure the systems work properly. We've done geo for about 14 years now, and EarthLinked has by far been the best company to deal with.

parkej,

I did some finding out on your system. I would encourage you to call Jerre Wilson at EarthLinked. He responded thus:

"I was a bit stunned by the comments made by this home owner, especially
the part about ECR being non-responsive. I personally handle all
incoming calls from end users and I have not heard of this guy until
today. When I checked with folks who have been around longer than I have
I found out that the home owner is ------------ and all these
problems happened 10 or 11 years ago.

As you know the dealer/installer is responsible for the proper design
and installation of the EarthLinked system. The load calculations were
inadequate in part because the home owner did not insulate the walls of
the house as he told the installer he would do. This was a retrofit of
an old farm house that was being remodeled. ECR went to great lengths to
resolve the installation problems including sending Russ Bath to the
site. Since the system was not designed properly all ECR could do was
make sure that our units were functioning properly and to our knowledge
they were.

I have no idea what has happened in the 10 years since this occurred,
but if anyone currently has a problem with one of our systems I
encourage them to give me a call at 863-701-0096 (office) or
863-944-1265 (cell). If you respond to the forum feel free to include my
phone numbers. If we have dissatisfied customers, I want to know about
it. "